Page 11 - 2020 Impact Report

Ashley

Ashley is the first participant to take part in the human
trafficking program at the Shelly Stayer Shelter. She
has a long and extensive history of severe trauma
and sexual trafficking, so her first days at The Shelter
were challenging. She was excited and ready to begin
the program, but the prospect of the “unknown” made
her nervous. She questioned everything and was very
resistant to change. Throughout Ashley’s life, the phrase
“a fresh start” had always let her down.
Since starting the program, Ashley has accomplished
many things. She slept through the entire night. She
made medical and dental appointments for care she
hadn’t received in over 10 years. She improved her diet
and strived to eat three meals a day. She is trying to quit
smoking.
While these may seem like simple steps to some, they
are major accomplishments for Ashley. She no longer
paces back and forth in the courtyard, concerned about
how things have always gone wrong in her life. She
is doing yoga, preparing healthy meals for herself,
meeting with her case manager and enjoying art
therapy. She is learning how to live and enjoy each day
in a productive way.
“I am so grateful and blessed to be here,” she says.
“My life has been full of broken dreams and squashed
potential. I couldn’t find a way out. It feels good to be
here and not feel like I have to do things I don’t want to
do to survive. Thank you for giving me a chance to fix
myself. With your help I believe I can be a better version
of me.”

14,689 Counseling & advocacy hours provided in 2019-2020

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